UNITED States international Brad Friedel today hailed Andy Cole's arrival at Ewood as a massive shot in the arm for everyone connected with Blackburn Rovers.

Friedel knows all about Cole's outstanding qualities as a goalscorer after working closely with the player on a daily basis during their time together at Newcastle.

And he believes the 30-year-old could now spark a revival which could catapult the club into Europe by the end of the season.

"This a massive boost for everyone at the club," said Friedel.

"To get someone who's in the prime of his career from a club like Manchester United is a major coup for both the gaffer and the board.

"A move like this speaks volumes for the club's ambition because it says we want to be in the top half of the table and pushing for Europe, if not this season then definitely in the future.

"You just have to look at Andy's goals record because his CV speaks for itself.

"Many years ago when he was at Newcastle I was up there trying to get a work permit so I was with him for about four months and he was an exceptional footballer.

"He works hard, he's got a great strike on him, but he's far more than just a goalscorer.

"He knows the game inside out, he's played in some of the biggest games in the world and he will be an incredible asset to this football club."

Friedel also believes Cole will prove the doubters wrong and secure a place in Sven Goran Eriksson's England squad for next summer's World Cup now he has finally called time on his Manchester United career after spending five months on the bench.

"If he scores goals with us, which he will because we are a good footballing side, then I'm sure the England set-up will sit up and take note because you can't ignore someone like Andy Cole for long."

Those sentiments were also echoed by Friedel's Ewood colleague, David Dunn, who hailed Cole's signing as the biggest since the club bought Alan Shearer from Southampton.

"This is a brilliant signing and it's just the bit of good news we wanted," said Dunn.

"In terms of profile and goalscoring records, Andy's signing is just as big as when we bought Alan Shearer so let's just hope he can be as successful for us.

"We've been creating chances all season but the luck's not really gone for the forwards so hopefully that might change now."

Cole's arrival also underlined the ambition which still exists at the club even following the death of Jack Walker.

"Obviously, Jack -- God bless him -- isn't with us any more but a lot of people still think we've got the same kind of money to throw around as when he was with us," said Dunn.

"But even if that's no longer the case this still shows we are prepared to spend money when the right kind of players come along. I know everyone is excited about the thought of working with Andy and I, personally, can't wait to see him play for us."